Media enjoying highest freedom: Information minister

 Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the media is currently enjoying the highest level of freedom in independent Bangladesh. 

"No restrictions have been imposed on journalists in carrying out their professional duties during the tenure of the current government. our government has ensured an environment where journalists can work independently."

"The media has never enjoyed such a level of freedom in independent Bangladesh before," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing an event marking the 5th founding anniversary of the Sangbadik Surokhha O Kallayan Foundation (Journalists' Protection and Welfare Foundation) at the Information Bhaban in the capital. 

Swapon said the Prime Minister believes in complete freedom of the media.

However, the minister urged everyone to remain cautious so that the opportunity provided by this freedom is not misused to create a culture of yellow journalism or blackmailing.

He said complaints are regularly being received about propaganda and extortion through social media platforms and fake news portals, adding, "Such malpractice must be prevented in the interest of professional journalists."

Speaking about the relationship between politics and journalism, Swapon said the primary responsibility of politics is to serve the people, while journalists have a responsibility to question whether political power is being used for public welfare.

"Those who, in the past, acted as agents of fascism under the guise of journalism and assisted in enforced disappearances, killings and the looting of state resources are being identified, and the process of bringing them under the law is underway," he said.

Outlining the government's future plans, the minister said the government is working to build a modern, transparent and healthy digital media ecosystem covering print, electronic, online and OTT platforms.

He said the Information Ministry has already held discussions with newspaper owners, editors and leaders of the journalist community in this regard, and such consultations will continue.

On the protection and welfare of journalists, the minister said journalism needs to be brought under modern labour and industrial laws to establish a strong institutional foundation for the profession.

He also called on the foundation to play a more responsible role in protecting the dignity of the profession and ensuring the welfare of journalists.

The event was moderated by the organisation's General Secretary Talukder Rumi.

Senior Vice-President Abdullah Al Mamun, Vice-President Omar Faruk Jalal, Joint General Secretary Tofayel Ahmed, and journalists from various media outlets were also present at the event.